First Special Olympics highlight in Rostock: athletes light up the city!

First Special Olympics highlight in Rostock: athletes light up the city!

From July 21st to 23rd, 2025, Rostock will be the venue for the first state games of Special Olympics Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. This special event will involve more than 200 athletes competing in five different sports: football, basketball, boccia, swimming and track and field. These games marked an important step for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in sport. NDR reports about this exciting initiative.

The state games offer athletes the opportunity to qualify for the National Games next year in Saarland, with the aim of taking part in the 2027 World Games in Chile. For some participants it will even be the first competition of their lives. Clemens Russell, President of Special Olympics Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, emphasizes the need for systematic training in the clubs in order to promote the athletes' talents and prepare them optimally. Rostock town hall added that the event not only includes the competition, but also an extensive supporting program, including the opening ceremony and a health program called “Healthy Athletes”.

Unity through sport

The event will primarily take place on the sports areas around the Rostock athletics stadium. In addition to the athletes, there will also be carers, families, fans and helpers on site to support and cheer on the participants. Rostock's mayor Eva-Maria Kröger emphasizes the enormous importance of inclusion and the positive influence of local initiatives on the community.

“Special Olympics is the largest sports organization in the world for people with intellectual disabilities,” explains Russell. The underlying goal of Special Olympics is to enable these people to develop physical fitness, courage, joy, friendships and discover hidden talents through sports training and competitions. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has been part of Special Olympics Germany since 2022, which includes a total of 16 state associations.

Preparations underway

Preparations for the national games are already in full swing and regular reporting is planned in advance. These Games are not only a great opportunity for the athletes, but also a chance for society to become aware of the abilities and strengths of people with disabilities. It's a heartwarming event that shows how much joy and potential there is in sport - for everyone.